(Lagos, Tuesday, 19/08/2025) The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to rise to the moral and legal obligations that this critical moment in history demands by joining the landmark case filed by the Republic of South Africa against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The world has witnessed, with horror and heartbreak, the atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people – acts that bear all the hallmarks of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The evidence is overwhelming: indiscriminate bombings of civilian populations, deliberate targeting of hospitals, schools, refugee camps, and humanitarian workers, as well as the systematic starvation of children and women.

South Africa, with courage and moral clarity, has taken the bold step of challenging Israel at the ICJ, invoking the Genocide Convention, to which Nigeria is a signatory. It is a moment of truth for the international community, and Nigeria cannot afford to remain silent or indifferent.

Nigeria has historically positioned itself as a champion of justice, anti-apartheid struggles, and the rights of oppressed peoples. This proud legacy obligates our government to act now – to stand firmly with South Africa and the growing coalition of nations that have recognized the urgency of holding Israel accountable for its actions.

To remain on the sidelines is to betray the principles of justice, humanity, and solidarity that Nigeria has always claimed to uphold. It is also to betray the hopes of millions of Nigerians who stand in sympathy with the Palestinian people and demand that our nation takes its rightful place on the side of justice.

MPAC therefore urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Government of Nigeria to:

– Formally join South Africa’s lawsuit at the ICJ as a co-applicant, strengthening the legal and moral weight of the case.

– Take a strong diplomatic stance at the United Nations and other international fora to demand an immediate end to the atrocities against Palestinians.

– Demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership in Africa by championing justice, peace, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

History will not be kind to nations that chose complicity through silence. Nigeria must not be counted among them.

In September 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Nigeria’s speech at the 79th session of the UNGA, expressing deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. A bad situation that has been made worse by Israel’s systematic starvation of the entire Gazan population. The Vice President reiterated the nation’s call for an immediate ceasefire and demanded justice, freedom, and full independence for the Palestinian people. It is now time for our government to move beyond ordinary words and act on behalf of the nation’s conscience. The Palestinian people deserve justice, freedom, dignity, and peace. Nigeria must stand with them – boldly and without hesitation.

-End-

Disu Kamor

Executive Chairman,

Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC)

kamor.disu@mpac-ng.org